WASHINGTON, DC -- The Green Party of the United States has recognized and accredited a Youth Caucus within the party.

"The Green Party Youth Caucus is here to amplify the voice of youth who are ready for a new politics," said Ursula Rozum, Youth Caucus co-chair and recent Green Congressional candidate from Syracuse, New York.

"We've seen a surge of young Green candidates and movement-builders because the elite political leadership of the corporate parties has failed our generation and because the Green Party offers practical solutions to the serious crises we're facing. When Green youth become candidates for public office, more than just spokespeople for our party, we articulate the aspirations of our generation for a just and sustainable future. We invite all youth who share the Green Party's values to join the Youth Caucus," Ms. Rozum added.

According to the proposal passed in the Green Party's National Committee, the "Youth Caucus works to engage youth in Green issues and gives young Greens a voice within the GPUS [Green Party of the United States]. Membership is open to US youth age 14-35 who identify as Green, support the Green Party Ten Key Values, and generally agree with the platform of the GPUS and the mission of the Youth Caucus." (http://www.gp.org/caucuses/youth/)

"We welcome the new Youth Caucus, which we believe will take the lead in building the party of the 21st century," said Steve Welzer, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States. "The accreditation follows an election season in which several outstanding young Greens competed for public office. 2012 Green presidential nominee Jill Stein made the concerns of young people central to her campaign, including the need to end crushing student debt burdens, stronger support for public education, repeal of Every Child Left Behind, and job creation."

The Green Party has three other caucuses: the Lavender Green Caucus (for LGBT members), the National Women's Caucus, and the Green Party Black Caucus (http://www.gp.org/caucuses/index.php). A Latino Caucus is in the process of organizing.